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Screening shows obesity in decline among W.Va. children
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A decline in the percentage of elementary school age children who are overweight or obese has given West Virginia a rare dose of good health news.
The CARDIAC Project, which gives health screenings to kindergartners, second-graders and fifth-graders, reports that the percentage of children with an unhealthy weight has declined this year.
Dr. William Neal attributes the drop to a growing awareness about the severe health consequences of obesity. He said the state’s promotion of healthy lifestyles among children is also paying off.
West Virginia is the third-fattest state in the country. About 21 percent of its children are obese, compared to a national average of 17 percent.
